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It was 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.